Hands-free beverage holder

ABSTRACT

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a hands-free holder that can be worn by the user to secure a wide variety of beverage, refreshment, or snack containers. Specifically, the holder includes a receptacle that removably yet securely holds a beverage bottle, can, or other container. The holder further includes a harness that releasably supports the receptacle and secures it to the user&#39;s body. The harness comprises a pair of shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap, both releasably engaged with the receptacle. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps can be secured together at a back pad which can be positioned adjacent to the wearer&#39;s back.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a holder for beveragecontainers, such as bottles and cans. More particularly, the disclosedholder allows the beverage to be supported in a hands-free manner.

BACKGROUND

In their free time, people commonly engage in recreational activities,such as walking, gardening, hiking, and bike riding. During theseactivities, bottled water and other beverages are commonly used toreplenish bodily fluids. Specifically, bottles of water are oftencarried in a backpack, in the user's pocket, or held in the user's handand are consumed when needed. However, such methods of transportingbottled beverages are cumbersome and inconvenient for most activities.For example, carrying a water bottle in the user's pocket can be bulkyand uncomfortable. In addition, when the user desires to drink thebeverage carried in a backpack, the container must first be located.Often, the beverage has shifted in the user's bag requiring items to beremoved in an effort to locate the beverage container. Further,conventional drink holders commonly move from side to side as the usermoves, causing annoyance and requiring constant readjustment, such aswhen bending down or running. It is also common for the beverage to bedropped during use, which can result in spilling of the beverage andsoiling of the container. It would therefore be beneficial to provide animproved beverage holder that addresses the cited shortcomings in theprior art.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directedto a container holder assembly. Particularly, the holder assemblycomprises a receptacle defined by a top edge comprising an open mouth, abottom edge comprising a bottom face, and a sidewall, wherein the openmouth is operably connected to an internal cavity.

The holder assembly further comprises a harness comprising a pair ofshoulder straps and a chest strap, wherein each shoulder strap and thechest strap are defined by a first end, a second end, and a lengththerebetween and wherein the first and second ends comprise a connector.The receptacle comprises a set of opposing links at or adjacent to thetop edge and a set of opposing links at or adjacent to the bottom edge.Each connector is configured to releasably attach to a correspondinglink, and the receptacle cavity is configured to house a container.

In some embodiments, the container holder assembly further comprises aback pad that allows a portion of the length of each shoulder strap tocriss-cross.

In some embodiments, the container is selected from a bottle, can, cup,flask, canister, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the links and connectors are selected from clips,snaps, loops, buttons, magnets, zippers, ties, hook and lop closure, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is constructed from a flexible orsemi-rigid material.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is constructed from one or moreinsulative materials selected from foam, neoprene, fabric, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is constructed from one or moreelastic materials, allowing the cavity to be easily stretched toaccommodate containers of various shapes and sizes.

In some embodiments, the elastic materials are selected from stretchablefabric, elastomer, elastic, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber,polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene/vinyl acetate, or combinationsthereof.

In some embodiments, the shoulder straps and chest strap are constructedfrom one or more elastic materials.

In some embodiments, one or more shoulder strap or chest strap comprisesan adjuster that allows the length of the strap to be elongated orshortened.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directedto a method of transporting a container hands-free. Specifically, themethod comprises configuring a container holder assembly on a user suchthat the receptacle is positioned on a front side of the user's chest.The container holder assembly comprises a receptacle defined by a topedge comprising an open mouth, a bottom edge comprising a bottom face,and a sidewall, wherein the open mouth is operably connected to aninternal cavity; and a harness comprising a pair of shoulder straps anda chest strap. Each shoulder strap and the chest strap are defined by afirst end, a second end, and a length therebetween and wherein the firstand second ends comprise a connector. The receptacle comprises a set ofopposing links at or adjacent to the top edge and a set of opposinglinks at or adjacent to the bottom edge. Each connector is configured toreleasably attach to a corresponding link, and the receptacle cavity isconfigured to house a container. The method includes attaching the firstend of the first shoulder strap to a link at the top edge of thereceptacle and attaching the second end of the first shoulder strap tothe opposing link at the top edge of the receptacle. The method furtherincludes attaching the first end of the chest strap to a link at thebottom edge of the receptacle and attaching the second end of the cheststrap to the opposing link at the bottom edge of the receptacle. Themethod comprises positioning a container within the cavity of thereceptacle, wherein the container can be transported by the containerholder assembly without the use of the user's hands and wherein thereceptacle top and bottom edges contact the front of the user.

In some embodiments, the method comprises sliding a portion of thelengths of the shoulder straps through a back pad configured adjacent tothe user's back.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to beread in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all)embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1a is a front plan view of a holder in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1b is a rear plan view of the holder of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holder receptacle in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receptacle comprising a grippingelement within the interior surface of the cavity in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are perspective views illustrating insertion of a canand bottle into the holder receptacle in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5a is a front plan view of a holder receptacle comprising aplurality of links in accordance with some embodiments of the presentlydisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5b is a front plan view of a holder receptacle comprising aplurality of links in different locations in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5c is a fragmentary front plan view illustrating the connectionbetween a strap and a receptacle in accordance with some embodiments ofthe presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 5d-5f are top plan view of a holder receptacle in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a holder in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7a is a front plan view of a holder strap in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7b is a fragmentary front plan view of a strap connector inaccordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 7c is a front plan view of a strap adjuster in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7d is a front plan view of a strap comprising padding in accordancewith some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front plan view illustrating a holder back padin accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a holder being worn in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficientdetails to provide an understanding of one or more particularembodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptionsexpound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments withoutlimiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly describedembodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptionswill likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and featureswithout departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains.Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of thepresently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, andmaterials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and“the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification,including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” caninclude a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofcomponents, conditions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attachedclaims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desiredproperties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to anamount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentagecan encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in someembodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments+/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%,from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in thedisclosed packages and methods.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a hands-freeholder that can be worn by the user to secure a wide variety ofbeverage, refreshment, or snack containers. Specifically, one embodimentof holder 5 is illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b . As shown, the holderincludes receptacle 10 that removably yet securely holds a beveragebottle, can, or other container 11. The holder further includes aharness that releasably supports the receptacle and secures it to theuser's body. The harness comprises a pair of adjustable straps 15 and/or20, both releasably engaged with the receptacle. In some embodiments,the straps can be secured together at back pad 25 which can bepositioned adjacent to the wearer's back.

As set forth above, the disclosed holder includes receptacle 10 sizedand shaped to house one or more containers. The term “container” as usedherein refers to any vessel that can be used to carry or house aproduct. Suitable containers can therefore include bottles (e.g., waterbottles, sports drink bottles, juice bottles), cans (e.g., soda cans,beer cans), cups, flasks, thermoses, canisters, and the like. Thus, thereceptacle can house a wide variety of containers in an assortment ofshapes and sizes made from a range of materials (e.g., aluminium, glass,plastic). It should be appreciated that the receptacle can house liquidsas well as solids, such as snacks, tools (nuts and bolts), keys, orother items that the user wishes to keep secure.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of receptacle 10 comprising bottomwall 12, sidewall 13, and open mouth 40. The open mouth defines an innercavity 35 for receiving container 11. Thus, the receptacle can beconfigured in a cylindrical shape. However, the presently disclosedsubject matter is not limited and the receptacle can have any desiredshape (e.g., cube) that accommodates a container. Receptacle 10 furtherincludes length 45 and width 50. The term “length” refers to the longestdimension of the receptacle. The term “width” refers to the dimensionperpendicular to the length. The receptacle can be configured in avariety of lengths and widths. For example, the receptacle can have alength and/or width of at least about (or no more than about) 2, 2.5, 3,3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 inches.However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and thereceptacle can be constructed with a length and/or width outside therange given above.

Receptacle cavity 35 is sized and shaped to house container 11. In someembodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity can be round toaccommodate a round water bottle or can. However, the cavity can haveany desired cross-sectional shape (e.g., oval, square, rectangular,abstract, or the like). The cross-sectional shape of cavity 35 cantherefore be the same or can differ from the cross-sectional shape ofthe container.

In some embodiments, the interior of the cavity can include one or moregripping elements to retain the container within the cavity until theuser applies a pulling force to remove the container. One embodiment ofgripping element 41 configured as a series of textured regions isillustrated in FIG. 3. However, the gripping element is not limited andcan include (but is not limited to) areas of light adhesive, padding,teeth, interior rings, arms, and the like. Such elements are well knownin the art. It should be appreciated that the gripping elements areoptional.

Receptacle open mouth 40 slidably engages a container to house thecontainer within cavity 35. For example, FIG. 4a illustrates oneembodiment of a receptacle configured to house a can (e.g., a soft drinkor beer can). Likewise, FIG. 4b illustrates one embodiment of areceptacle comprising an internal cavity sized and/or shaped to house abottle (e.g., a water or soda bottle). Specifically, all or a portion ofa corresponding container can be housed within cavity 35.

Advantageously, the receptacle cavity is oriented such that container 11is held upright and secure when the wearer is seated, standing, and/orwhen walking or running. In this way, the container is prevented fromslipping out of the receptacle.

The receptacle further includes one or more links 51 that allow forconnection to shoulder straps 15 and chest strap 20. For example, FIG.5a illustrates one embodiment of receptacle 10 comprising a pair ofupper links 51. The upper links allow for releasable connection witheach end of straps 15. The receptacle can include one or more additionallinks positioned at any location, as shown in FIG. 5b (e.g., to attach achest strap). Link 51 can include any element that allows for releasableconnection with a strap end (e.g., a strap connector). Suitable linkscan therefore include (but are not limited to) clips, snaps, loops,buttons, magnets, zippers, ties, VELCRO®, and the like. FIG. 5cillustrates one embodiment of link 51 releasably attached to strapconnector 50 configured as a clip that opens and closes.

In some embodiments, the links 51 are positioned on opposing sides ofthe receptacle (e.g., at angle A of about 180 degrees apart), as shownin FIG. 5d . Alternatively, the links can be positioned at an angle ofless than about 180 degrees apart (e.g., at least/no more than about180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30,20, or 10 degrees apart), as shown in FIG. 5 e.

In some embodiments, each link will accommodate the attachment of morethan one strap connector. Alternatively, in some embodiments a link willaccommodate a single strap connector. Thus, each opposing side of thereceptacle can include multiple links, as shown in FIG. 5 f.

Link 51 can be attached to the receptacle using any known method, suchas (but not limited to) the use of adhesives, welding, sewing, heatsealing, mechanical closures (screws, bolts, nails, etc.).

Receptacle 10 can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Forexample, receptacle 10 can include one or more flexible or semi-rigidmaterials. The term “flexible” refers to a material that is pliable andcapable of flexing and/or bending without breaking. The term“semi-rigid” refers to a characteristic that allows a material to bendwithout breaking but not to same degree as a flexible material. Suitableflexible and semi-rigid materials can include (but are not limited to)fabric, foam, mesh, rubber, leather, foil, silicone, plastic, orcombinations thereof.

However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and insome embodiments the receptacle can be constructed from a rigid materialthat is stiff and/or hard. Suitable rigid materials can include hardplastic, metal, Styrofoam, wood, fiberglass, and the like. Thus, it willbe appreciated that receptacle 10 can be constructed from any desiredmaterial(s).

In some embodiments, one or more materials used to construct receptacle10 provides an insulative quality to the receptacle. An “insulativequality” as used herein refers to a characteristic of resisting a changein temperature. For example, when a cool beverage is inserted intoreceptacle cavity 35, the insulative materials of the receptacle aid inmaintaining the beverage at a cool temperature. It should be appreciatedthat the insulative material likewise functions to keep a hot or warmbeverage from cooling off. Thus, the receptacle can be used for hotliquids (e.g., a cup of coffee) or cold beverages (e.g., soda). Thereceptacle therefore insulates the container 11 from the ambientatmosphere, lengthening the time interval for the beverage to reach theambient temperature. In addition, the insulative materials allow thereceptacle to maintain a comfortable hand temperature by shielding theuser's hand from the cold (or hot) container while drinking. Suitableinsulative materials can include (but are not limited to) polyethylenefoam, neoprene, fabric, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments,the insulative materials are positioned in cavity 35, as an interiorlayer, or as an exterior layer of the receptacle.

The materials used to construct receptacle 10 can optionally include oneor more absorbent materials. For example, when a chilled container isinserted into cavity 35 of the receptacle, the temperature differencebetween the container and the ambient air typically causes liquid tocondense on the external surface of the container. When the receptaclecomprises absorbent materials (e.g., within the cavity), thecondensation is absorbed so that the moisture does not soak into theclothing of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the materials used to construct receptacle 10 areelastic in nature, allowing cavity 35 to be easily stretched toaccommodate containers of various shapes and sizes. Thus, the receptaclecan be conformable to any size and/or shape of beverage container 11,providing a “one size fits all” benefit. Suitable elastic materials caninclude (but are not limited to) one or more of stretchable fabric,elastomer, elastic, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polybutadiene,polyisoprene, ethylene/vinyl acetate, and the like. The term “elasticmaterial” is therefore broadly constructed to include any material thatallows stretching to accommodate an object that is larger in size,allowing for a snug fit.

Receptacle 10 can be manufactured in various colors and/or patterns,providing variety and selection to the wearer.

As set forth above, holder 5 further includes a harness comprising leftand right shoulder straps 15 and chest strap 20 that allow the holder tobe worn by the user. One embodiment of harness 21 is illustrated in FIG.6. As shown, a first end of each shoulder strap 15 connects to thereceptacle and extends over the user's shoulder. In some embodiments,each shoulder strap connects to back pad 25 and then extends down underthe user's opposite arm to form the chest strap. Thus, each end of theshoulder strap can attach at or near a top edge of the receptacle. Insome embodiments, the chest and shoulder straps can be formed by asingle pair of straps (left side and right side). Chest strap 20 fitsaround the user's chest. The chest and shoulder straps each comprise afront section and a rear section, where the front section is adapted tofit over the chest and front torso of the wearer, and the rear sectionis adapted to fit over the back and rear torso of the wearer.

Alternatively, the harness can be configured with separate straps forthe shoulder strap and the chest strap. For example, shoulder straps 15can each include a first end that attaches to link 51 and a second endthat attaches to the back pad (or any other attachment element). Thechest straps can each include a first end that attaches to link 51(which can be the same link or a different link that the shoulder strapis attached to) and a second end that attaches to the back pad (or anyother element that allows for attachment).

FIG. 7a illustrates one embodiment of a strap that can be used withharness 21 (e.g., shoulder strap or chest strap). The term “strap”refers to a length of material, generally used to secure anothercomponent. The straps can be constructed from any desired material, suchas (but not limited to) fabric, nylon, cotton, woven material, braidedmaterial, rope, polypropylene, polyester, and the like. The straps canbe designed to be comfortably worn around the wearer's body.Specifically, the straps are adapted to secure around the wearer'sshoulders and/or chest to support receptacle 10 (and container 11 whenpositioned within the receptacle cavity).

In some embodiments, the disclosed straps are elastic, allowing them tostretch and closely fit to the user's body when the holder is assembled.Thus, the straps can include elastic web, elastic fabric, rubber, and/orany elastic material. The straps are configured to be pulled out adesired length and then when the force is applied can revert back totheir original length. In some embodiments, the straps can stretch toabout 100, 150, 200, or more times their original length.

Each strap includes first and second ends 60, 61 with length 65therebetween. Shoulder strap 15 and/or chest strap 20 can have anydesired length, such as about 20-60 inches (e.g., at least/no more thanabout 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 inches). However, thepresently disclosed subject matter is not limited and each strap canhave a length greater than or less than the range given above.

Each strap end comprises connector 50 that attaches or mates with acorresponding link on the receptacle. For example, FIG. 7b illustratesone embodiment of shoulder strap 15 comprising connector 50 that can beused to releasably attach one end of the strap to the receptacle.Connector 50 can include any attachment mechanism known or used in theart, such as (but not limited to) VELCRO®, snaps, magnets, buttons,clips, ties, hooks, clasps, and the like. For example, the connector caninclude a loop that opens to connect with a link on a receptacle. Inother embodiments, the connector can interlock and be fastened with thelink.

The connectors are attached to each end of a strap using any knownmethod, such as (but not limited to) sewing, adhesives, welding, screws,bolts, clips, magnets, and the like.

In some embodiments, the length of each strap can be adjusted toaccommodate users of varying sizes. Any element can be used to adjustthe length of the strap. For example, the shoulder straps can includeadjuster 70 adapted to adjust the length of the shoulder straps, asillustrated in FIG. 7c . In some embodiments, the adjuster can beconfigured as a slide made of metal or plastic. A strap is loopedthrough the slide, through a release buckle, and then back through theslide. By feeding more or less of the length of the strap through theslide, the overall length of the strap can be increased or reduced. Eachshoulder strap is independently adjustable relative to the othershoulder strap and the chest strap.

Optionally, at least a portion of a strap can include padding 75 foradded user comfort, as shown in FIG. 7d . For example, in someembodiments, a portion of each shoulder strap 15 can include padding 16at a desired location (e.g., where the shoulder strap extends over theuser's shoulder). The padding can include any known material, such ascotton, cloth, foam, and the like. The padding can be positioned along aportion of the strap, or along the entire length of the strap.

First and second ends 60, 61 of each strap are releasably attached toreceptacle 10. In this way, the shoulder straps and chest strap allowthe receptacle to be worn by the wearer. Particularly, the first andsecond ends of shoulder straps 15 are operably connected at or near anupper edge of the receptacle, as shown in FIG. 6. The term “upper edge”refers to the edge that includes open mouth 40. Similarly, the first andsecond ends of the chest strap are operably connected at or near a loweredge of the receptacle. The term “lower edge” refers to the receptacleedge that includes bottom wall 12.

In some embodiments, first and second strap ends 60, 61 are releasablyattached to the receptacle, allowing the straps to be attached andremoved as desired by the user. Straps 15, 20 can be releasably attachedto the receptacle using any mechanism known or used in the art.

In some embodiments, the harness can include back pad 25. The back padcan be configured as a dorsal pad assembly that connects cross-crossingshoulder straps extending in a divergent fashion, as shown in FIG. 8.However, the back pad is not limited and can include any element thatsupports the shoulder straps (e.g., in a linear, non-crossedconfiguration).

In use, the wearer easily positions the harness around their torso. Asshown in FIG. 9, first end 60 of each shoulder strap is releasablyattached to upper receptacle link 51 a. The length of each shoulderstrap is then positioned over the user's shoulders to connect with backpad 25. In some embodiments, each shoulder strap criss-crosses andextends to the front of the user, under the user's opposing side ribcageto form chest strap 20. The second end 61 of the shoulder strap is thenreleasably connected to the upper receptacle connector on the opposingside of the receptacle. In some embodiments, each end 60, 61 of ashoulder strap attaches to a single link. In other embodiments, theconnector positioned at each end of the straps attach to separate links.

Each end of chest strap 20 can also be attached to receptacle lower unit51 b, fitting around the chest of the wearer from front to back.

The lengths of the shoulder straps and chest strap can then be shortenedor elongated using adjuster 70 to adapt to the wearer's size and/orcomfort level.

After the harness is assembled, the receptacle is positioned on thewearer's front side, easily accessible by their hands. The top andbottom portions of the receptacle are held close to the user's body bystraps 15, 20. In some embodiments, the top and bottom portions of thereceptacle contact the wearer's chest at all times (unless the wearer isdrinking). In this way, the receptacle remains adjacent to the user'schest even when the user bends down, such as to pick up an item orduring gardening or other activities. Accordingly, receptacle 10 staysout of the wearer's way and does not need readjusting.

A desired container is easily inserted into cavity 35 of the receptacle.As such, the user has direct access to water or any other item containedwithin the receptacle cavity. When the user desires to drink fromcontainer 11, they simply lift the container to their lips to drink. Theelastic nature of the shoulder and chest straps allow the receptacle tobe easily moved to the user's mouth. When the user is finished drinking,they simply drop the receptacle and it returns to its original position,adjacent to and/or touching the user's chest. If a different beverage isdesired, the user can simply remove container 11 using a pulling motionto dislodge it from cavity 40 and replace the container with a new one.

The disclosed holder is therefore convenient for a variety of events,such as gardening, sporting events, and the like. The disclosed holderis especially useful in situations where there is no convenient place tohold a beverage container.

When the user desires to remove the holder, they simply disconnect thechest and shoulder straps from the receptacle and store the holder forlater use.

The disclosed assembly offers many advantages over the prior art. Forexample, the disclosed system is durable and convenient for the wearer.

The holder creates a convenient, temporary place for storing water orother refreshment beverages in any type of container and may also beadapted or configured for keeping food items such as french fries, nuts,chips or other items.

The wearer can move about relatively free from restraint. For instance,the wearer can jump or bend down without the receptacle moving from itsposition at the wearer's chest area.

The disclosed holder is hands-free and frees a wearer from the tediousand laborious task of continuously holding a beverage container.

The harness evenly distributes the weight of the receptacle such thateven children or the elderly can easily use the device without stress orstrain.

The holder is also easy and convenient to use.

While the presently disclosed subject matter has been described withreference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalentelements may be substituted for elements thereof. The scope of thepresently disclosed subject matter further includes any combination ofthe elements from the various embodiments set forth herein. In addition,modifications may be made without departing from the essential scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container holder assembly comprising: areceptacle defined by a top edge comprising an open mouth, a bottom edgecomprising a bottom face, and a sidewall, wherein the open mouth isoperably connected to an internal cavity; and a harness comprising apair of shoulder straps and a chest strap; wherein each shoulder strapand the chest strap are defined by a first end, a second end, and alength therebetween, wherein the first end of the shoulder strap and thefirst end of the chest strap are attached to a first connector, andwherein the second end of the shoulder strap and the second end of thechest strap are attached to a second connector; wherein the receptaclecomprises a set of opposing links at or adjacent to the top edge and aset of opposing links at or adjacent to the bottom edge; wherein eachconnector releasably attaches to a corresponding link; and wherein theinternal cavity is configured to house a container.
 2. The containerholder assembly of claim 1, further comprising a back pad that allows aportion of the length of each shoulder strap to criss-cross.
 3. Thecontainer holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the container is selectedfrom a bottle, can, cup, flask, canister, or combinations thereof. 4.The container holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the links andconnectors are selected from clips, snaps, loops, buttons, magnets,zippers, ties, hook and loop closure, or combinations thereof.
 5. Thecontainer holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the receptacle isconstructed from a flexible or semi-rigid material.
 6. The containerholder assembly of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is constructed fromone or more insulative materials selected from foam, neoprene, fabric,or combinations thereof.
 7. The container holder assembly of claim 1,wherein the receptacle is constructed from one or more elasticmaterials, allowing the cavity to be easily stretched to accommodatecontainers of various shapes and sizes.
 8. The container holder assemblyof claim 7, wherein the elastic materials are selected from stretchablefabric, elastomer, elastic, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber,polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene/vinyl acetate, or combinationsthereof.
 9. The container holder assembly of claim 1, wherein theshoulder straps and chest straps are constructed from one or moreelastic materials.
 10. The container holder assembly of claim 1, whereinone or more shoulder strap or chest strap comprises an adjuster thatallows the length of the strap to be elongated or shortened.
 11. Amethod of hand-free transporting a container, the method comprising:configuring a container holder assembly on a user such that thereceptacle is positioned on a front side of the user's chest, whereinthe container holder assembly comprises: a receptacle defined by a topedge comprising an open mouth, a bottom edge comprising a bottom face,and a sidewall, wherein the open mouth is operably connected to aninternal cavity; and a harness comprising a pair of shoulder straps anda chest strap, wherein each shoulder strap and the chest strap aredefined by a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween, whereinthe first end of the shoulder strap and the first end of the chest strapare attached to a first connector, and wherein the second end of theshoulder strap and the second end of the chest strap are attached to asecond connector; wherein the receptacle comprises a set of opposinglinks at or adjacent to the top edge and a set of opposing links at oradjacent to the bottom edge; wherein each connector is releasablyattached to a corresponding link; and wherein the internal cavity isconfigured to house a container; attaching the first end of the firstshoulder strap to a link at the top edge of the receptacle and attachingthe second end of the first shoulder strap to the opposing link at thetop edge of the receptacle; attaching the first end of the chest strapto a link at the bottom edge of the receptacle and attaching the secondend of the chest strap to the opposing link at the bottom edge of thereceptacle; positioning a container within the cavity of the receptacle;wherein the container can be transported by the container holderassembly without the use of the user's hands; and wherein the receptacletop and bottom edges contact the front of the user.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising sliding a portion of the lengths of theshoulder straps through a back pad configured adjacent to the user'sback.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the container is selected froma bottle, can, cup, flask, canister, or combinations thereof.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the links and connectors are selected fromclips, snaps, loops, buttons, magnets, zippers, ties, hook and loopclosure, or combinations thereof.
 15. The method of claim 11, whereinthe receptacle is constructed from a flexible or semi-rigid material.16. The method of claim 11, wherein the receptacle is constructed fromone or more insulative materials selected from foam, neoprene, fabric,or combinations thereof.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein thereceptacle is constructed from one or more elastic materials, allowingthe cavity to be easily stretched to accommodate containers of variousshapes and sizes.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the elasticmaterials are selected from stretchable fabric, elastomer, elastic,nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polybutadiene, polyisoprene,ethylene/vinyl acetate, or combinations thereof.
 19. The method of claim11, wherein the shoulder straps and chest strap are constructed from oneor more elastic materials.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein one ormore shoulder strap or chest strap comprises an adjuster that allows thelength of the strap to be elongated or shortened.